Pixie Dust Travel TM
Walt Disney World® has peak and off-peak times of the year:

Highest Attendance:
  • New Years Day
  • Marathon Weekend (early January)
  • Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend
  • Presidents' week in February
  • Mid-March through Late April (Spring Break)
  • EASTER
  • Memorial Day weekend
  • Mid-June through Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and weekend
  • Christmas week through New Year's Day

Moderate Attendance:
  • After Presidents' week in February through early March
  • Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend)
  • The first part of Thanksgiving week

Lowest Attendance:
  • January (except New Year's Day) until just prior to Presidents' week in February
  • The week following Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
  • The week following Thanksgiving until the week prior to Christmas

As you can see, peak times are generally during the summer and holidays because they coincide
with kid's vacations. During these peak times, the parks are really crowded, but that's
counterbalanced with longer park hours and more attractions. During off-peak times, the lines will
be shorter, but certain attractions may be closed.


The number one question that we are asked is "when is the best time to visit Disney?" The answer
to that question depends on each family. Here is a list of our favorite times to visit:


Best times of the year to visit Disney:

  • Second week of January through mid-February - Once the winter break is over and
    kids are back in school, crowds practically disappear. The weather is often cool but can get
    pretty cold too. Since it is value season, pricing for accommodations are low. Keep in mind
    that it does get crowded around the holiday weekends, so try to avoid them if possible. It is
    also possible that some rides will be closed for refurbishment.

  • First three weeks of May – Crowds are very moderate for travel this time of year. The
    weather is beautiful and typically you can catch Epcot’s International Flower and Garden
    Festival during the early part of May. The weather is warm and perfect for enjoying resort
    pools and the water parks.

  • Late August and September – Crowds are very low. The only downside is that the
    weather is very hot and it is hurricane season. Disney typically offers very good deals for
    travel this time of year.

  • Mid-November through mid-December – Crowds are moderate and the weather is
    pleasant. The parks and resorts are decorated for the holidays and you can enjoy special
    holiday events during travel this time of the year.

Worst times of the year to visit Disney:

  • Christmas week thru the New Year – Crowds this time of year are almost unbearable.
    Parks often close early due to reaching maximum capacity. It is hands down the most
    crowded and most expensive time to travel to Walt Disney World in the year.

  • Mid-February through mid-April - Crowds for this time are large and accommodations
    are priced very high due to Spring Break and other holidays. However, the weather is
    beautiful! Easter week (the weekend of Easter and the following week) is the second
    busiest time of year to visit Walt Disney World. Avoid visiting during this time.

  • June through mid August – Crowds are very high and the weather is EXTREMELY hot!
    Pricing is moderate. The weather alone makes it very difficult to tour the parks with a family
    and keep your sanity.  Unless you are planning on touring in the evenings only or living at
    one of the Disney Water Parks, we don’t recommend it.
Disney Value Season
When do you want to go to Disney?
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